Friday, 19th March, we drove 30kms northwest of Riyadh towards Al Uyaynah village. It has been quite a while since we spent some time with our RDA diving buddies.
We reached the Eye Park known in Arabic as Hadiqa AlAyoun by the locals at 8am. The park was empty, with only a few maintenance staff cleaning the area. Like most of the parks in Riyadh, the Eye Park is well maintained and clean. What makes it unique among others is that it is on top of a mountain with facilities provided for free.
We reached the Eye Park known in Arabic as Hadiqa AlAyoun by the locals at 8am. The park was empty, with only a few maintenance staff cleaning the area. Like most of the parks in Riyadh, the Eye Park is well maintained and clean. What makes it unique among others is that it is on top of a mountain with facilities provided for free.
There are several concrete gazebos on top of the valley and there’s also three separate play areas for children. Inside each gazebo, there’s a fireplace which can be used for barbeque. Electric power outlets are available inside the huts which makes the place ideal for worry-free and convenient weekend gatherings. |
We also joined the birthday celebration of Faith, daughter of Kuya Roden and Ate Maria who were amongst our very first friends in Riyadh. Imagine halo-halo and freshly grilled burgers at the mountain top?! Awesome!
At this time of the year before summer kicks off, being at the Eye Park has given us the best chance for clear mountain views, sunny skies and mild temperature. Since we arrived early at the place, we were able to take the best hut facing southeast overlooking the mountains surrounding Al Uyaynah and its main village. Our diver cum FPV enthusiast friends enjoyed flying their freestyle drones over the uniquely arid mountain landscape and sunny weather. It was also a delight to see big bikers following the trails around the valley.
Spending time with friends is one of the few pleasures in this life that costs us nothing but rewards us substantially. Im glad I had the chance to share a Friday with my diving buddies, and kuya Roden’s family though not underwater, but up in mountain park.